NORWICH – The Chenango County Department of Social Services (DSS) is exploring the use of state allocations to create new positions within the department that would help curb issues of chronic homelessness and temporary assistance in the county.

The latest surge of funds to Chenango County is part of the New York legislature’s $17 million effort to combat prolonged reliance on temporary assistance seen in counties statewide. Based on a funding formula that takes local caseloads into account, Chenango County will get a $165,000 allocation which local officials say would pay salary and fringe benefits of two new hires at the department of social services.

According to Chenango County DSS Commissioner Daniel Auwarter, funds will be earmarked for the creation of two case manager roles at DSS to help handle temporary aid cases and collaborate with the county’s behavioral health division on behalf of individuals who qualify for assistance.

“The goal is to create positions that can work more intensively with recipients and applicants on temporary assistance issues to reduce the amount of time people spend on assistance,” said Auwarter. “Specifically with people who are dealing with chronic issues like homelessness or compliance issues.”